Mablo
Well-known
I have a soft spot in my soul for Retinas. This model is particularly sleek and compact and feels just right in my hands. A good number of 1b model was produced but for some reason I don't see much of them in circulation. I haven't yet shot a roll with it. It's very cold outside and I know old timers prefer warmer weather.
Shot is taken with a contemporary Rolleicord V.
Shot is taken with a contemporary Rolleicord V.
ZeissFan
Veteran
I suspect that after the rangefinder Retinas appeared, the scale focus Retinas were less appealing because ... well ... it's easier to focus a 50mm lens with a rangefinder than to guess.
The Retina Ib is a nice camera -- most are still in good shape today. And the Xenar lens is sharp and predictable.
Kodak's German operation produced some fine cameras.
The Retina Ib is a nice camera -- most are still in good shape today. And the Xenar lens is sharp and predictable.
Kodak's German operation produced some fine cameras.
raid
Dad Photographer
My 1b was three times dropped in a river during canoeing, as the boat would tip over with me. In each of the three occasions, I would afterwards just let the camera drip off some brownish liquid coming out of it. It kept on working for years until one day I had to send the camera off for a CLA. Now it is functioning like new again.
JPD
Retina and Rollei user
You can find them all the time on german eBay. Both the Ib and the IB versions.
On the contrary, I find the Ib faster to use than the IIc. Guesstimating the distance, stopping down to 8 or 11 and shoot. With 50mm it's easy to get enough DOF. The rangefinder models could be better to use with slow film, but you can always use an accessory rangefinder with the scale focus Retinas.
I love my Ib. It's more compact than the IB, and the Xenar is excellent. VERY sharp and contrasty. But the flash synch works 3/4 of the time, so maybe the copper contact in the shutter has some oxidation.
The first roll taken with my IB (big B) will be developed soon. I used Agfa Vista 200
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5010/5344252569_abb88af7a3.jpg
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